FCC Voted to Kill Net Neutrality–Releases Video Mocking Advocates

Right before the FCC votes to kill off US Net Neutrality rules, Chairman Ajit Pai released a “comedy” video, supposedly explaining the effects of the repeal. In a short minute and a half cringe goldmine, Pai explains that nothing will change and insists that this “Restoring Internet Freedom” act is for the good of Americans.

Rolling back the Net Neutrality protection rules put in place during President Obama’s term has been one of President Trump’s plans ever since he got into office. Appointing Pai into the FCC chairmanship to undo all the changes prior. Europe, Canada and all other developed nations now officially stand on the opposite aisle when it comes to net neutrality.

Since the video is made in partnership with right wing website Daily Caller and released on the day of the actual voting, the “comedic” video is hardly educational in anyway. In fact, it serves only to mock net neutrality advocates and to distract while the repeal is happening. The move is not surprising coming from Pai, who has no qualms being called a shill for Verizon.

FCC Kills US Net Neutrality

In a 3-2 vote on Thursday, the FCC approved the measure to remove existing rules put in place just two years ago. Specifically, it undoes the Title II designation to Internet Access, which would prevent the FCC from putting tough net neutrality rules in place in the future. These include rules that prevent US internet service providers from blocking or throttling traffic and offering paid fast lanes. Providers can do anything they wish, as long as it is publicly stated prior to enacting.

“The internet wasn’t broken in 2015. We were not living in some digital dystopia,” argues Pai. Suggesting that consumers do not have problems with blocked content, but rather the lack of access. While this is true in the broadest sense, it is not like there is no precedent for companies implementing policies which are disadvantageous for consumers.

“Restoring Internet Freedom” Through Deregulation

The argument is a common Republican rationale ever since the Reagan-era. Deregulation for large business, which in turn supposedly trickles down to the consumers in the form of competitive options. Then again, the deregulation that these politicians have been pushing for several decades have only resulted in fewer and larger corporations. Effectively narrowing the market for consumers. This is especially troubling now that a lot of these internet service providers also own media content companies. What incentive is it exactly for them not to lock out or throttle smaller rivals out of the marketplace?

Major changes will not happen overnight following this decision. In fact, it is advantageous for service providers to make it seem like everything is normal. This is exactly what Pai’s Daily Caller video is also trying to do. These service providers might also begin offering lower rate cost options. It could be knocking off $10 or $20 off the monthly bill for a la carte options. Until of course, this method of Internet service providing becomes the norm.  These companies might lose money on the monthly fees, however they can always make much more through extraneous billing. This model works for the gaming industry, with post-launch transactions providing 4x as much revenue than launch prices. It only stands to reason that this kind of business model appeals to these telecoms as well.